Drug dealer had bag of cash ... with £57k in it

Ali was not arrested but six months later on January 24 the search warrant was executed at his home and officers discovered a “drug operation” had been set up including cutting agents, bags, scales and dealer lists.

Drugs seized included 66 grammes of crack cocaine which was 85% pure, 17.6 grammes of heroin which was 38% pure and 27.3 grammes of heroin which was 36% pure.

Officers also found 42 grammes of skunk cannabis bringing the drugs to a total value of just over £8,000.

Jeremy Barton, representing Ali, said he became involved through his own addiction to drugs. He was using more than he could afford and those supplying him knew that.

Mr Barton said: “He found himself in a position when he could not pay what he owed and becoming involved in this activity was indicated as the way to do it.”

The money he had passed on to Wadood did not belong to either of them but to others more heavily involved.

Ali admitted possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

Jailing him, Recorder Bryan Cox QC said the evidence recovered indicated his “concerted involvement in drug dealing.”

Wadood, 34 from Irwell Street, Bury, admitted possessing criminal property by acting as a courier for the money and he was given six months suspended for two years with 250 hours unpaid work.